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Koscheck vs. Hendricks

Welterweights

The Matchup: Hendricks shocked the world when his
left hook dropped Jon Fitch at
UFC 141, setting up a 12-second finish of one of the most
consistent competitors in the sport today. While it is unreasonable
to expect a similar result against Koscheck, the knockout
demonstrated the explosiveness of Hendricks, who is the type of
athlete that makes the welterweight division so competitive.

Meanwhile, Koscheck struggled in a closely contested split decision
triumph over Mike Pierce
in February. Pierce does not make life easy for anyone, however,
but “Kos” won the takedown battle and did just enough to influence
the judges. Koscheck’s 20 fights of Octagon experience should not
be discounted; the man knows what it takes to win. “The Ultimate
Fighter 1” alum has officially parted ways with the
American Kickboxing Academy and will have to prove himself
without the backing of one of the world’s strongest camps.

The wrestling credentials of Hendricks, a two-time national
champion at Oklahoma State University, and Koscheck, an NCAA
champion at Edinboro University, should cancel each other out.
Koscheck shoots for takedowns as quickly as anyone in the sport,
but Hendricks can counter that with an equally quick sprawl
followed by solid dirty boxing in the clinch. Likewise, Koscheck’s
overall athleticism makes him an extremely difficult target for
takedowns.

Hendricks has gradually shown more prowess in his standup, even
before the Fitch fight, which was more a matter of well-timed
aggression than anything else. He has demonstrated fight-ending
power before, finishing the likes of T.J.
Waldburger, Charlie
Brenneman and Amir
Sadollah earlier in his career. When Koscheck connects with his
weapon of choice -- the overhand right -- he can do plenty of
damage, as well. His technique is not always a thing of beauty; if
he misfires, he will leave himself open to a counter from
Hendricks, who excels at getting inside and can unleash a right
hook-left uppercut combo with great effectiveness.

Overall, Hendricks is the more accurate puncher, and he might be
able to steal a takedown or two by preceding his shot with a solid
combination. Koscheck tends to wing his strikes one at a time,
making it more difficult to catch Hendricks off-guard.

The Pick: Hendricks is a star on the rise, but not
every fight is of the highlight-reel variety. He will need to
capitalize on openings in what should be a grinding affair: landing
punches in the clinch, countering on the feet and being
opportunistic with his wrestling. Hendricks’ standup is not so
advanced that this will be a blowout, but he has the ability to
frustrate Koscheck. Unless “Kos” can find a home for his overhand
right, Hendricks takes a decision.